Finnish Sign Language Class in Kuopio

Finnish Sign Language

Even though the training programme does not offer courses in English, students from other countries are welcome to join into the classes of Finnish Sign Language.

From the very beginning of the training, FinSL is taught by Deaf or hearing lectures who use FinSL as an educational language. As well as foreigner students, Finnish students are exposed to new language and Deaf culture. There have been good experiences being in exchange in both Helsinki and Kuopio campuses.

identify different types of interaction situations and examine interaction order (e.g. a monologue, discussion in a small group)

examine interaction situations and verbal and non-verbal communicative modes used in interactions from the point of view of non-discrimination, linguistic accessibility and inclusion

examine and analyse especially visual and embodied modes of interaction

understand the connection of signs and sign language expression with other communicative modes from a multimodal and multilingual perspective

examine interpreting situations from the point of view of interaction order and recognise the role of their vocation as a facilitator of

Contents:

Students practise using visual and embodied interaction methods. Students observe the ways in which people use their bodies (speech, gestures, facial expressions) and environments (objects, spaces, technologies) in interaction and are able to explain the concepts of multilingualism and multimodality. Students learn to facilitate effective interaction and observe key factors relating to different types of communication situations (interaction strategies). Students will be able to work in interaction situations in a responsible manner and in accordance with applicable standards (professional ethics).

The course provides opportunities to study in a visually-oriented sign language environment.

examine interaction in relation to two social changes: changes resulting from new communication technologies, and changes caused by globalisation in language use and the formation of language communities

explain how new technologies, globalisation and social changes influence everyday practices of themselves and customers of interpreting services

describe the characteristics of institutional interaction and act appropriately in different contexts and roles (e.g. as participants, interpreters)

analyse the distribution of verbal and non-verbal resources in society

critically examine and develop their communications and interaction from the above- mentioned perspectives

identify the starting points of plain language and the principles of producing plain language.

Contents:

The course provides opportunities to study in a visually-oriented sign language environment and examines the heterogeneity of interpreters’ customer base. The distribution of verbal and non-verbal resources is analysed, with a special emphasis on social changes and power structures. In addition, the course has a focus on augmentative and alternative communication methods (e.g. assistive methods such as speech repetition, fingerspelling and capital letters).

use basic signs and phrases relating to their everyday lives and identify ways to develop their sign language vocabulary

participate in simple everyday conversations on familiar topics in sign language by using multimodal and multilingual resources

identify the basic sentence types of sign language

define and analyse non-manual elements of sign language

describe the basic structure of signs and identify individual signs from sign-language text.

describe the culture and customs of deaf and sign language communities and demonstrate knowledge of the phenomena, key events and important figures of sign language

Contents:

The course has an emphasis on studying in a sign language environment with a specific focus on cultural sensitivity. In particular, students will learn basic signs and phrases for everyday interactions and acquire knowledge of the culture and customs of deaf people and sign language users. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe the diversity of the sign language and deaf community. In addition, students are also introduced to the cultures, customs, phenomena, events and important figures of other communities that use sign language, including deafblind people.

use dictionaries and other sign language materials to support their learning

describe context- and participant-related variation (e.g. signed speech, tactile signing and sign language for people with a restricted field of vision)

demonstrate a command of basic everyday signs and participate in simple everyday conversations in sign language by using multimodal and multilingual resources

apply simple interaction strategies in sign language conversation

deduce meanings of new signs from context with a familiar signer and topic

give a prepared presentation in sign Contents:

Students are introduced to variations relating to signed language forms and language users, including the principles of signed speech, tactile signing and tactile fingerspelling. In addition, the course covers differences between visual channels, e.g. signing to a full vs. restricted field of vision. Studying in a sign language environment is given emphasis.

On this course, students advance their knowledge of the structure of sign language and learn to compare the structures of signed and spoken languages. The history of sign language users and communities is examined, taking into account the historical stages of education for sign language users. Studying in a sign language environment is given emphasis.

analyse the work of different types of operators, produce accurate observations and discuss their observations

explain the concept of multidisciplinary cooperation and analyse its role from the interpreter’s perspective

understand and describe interpreters’ different roles in various operating environments

communicate using sign language with different types of conversation partners and according to the requirements of a given situation

interpret short conversations on familiar and prepared topics. Contents:

Students will build networks in the sign language industry by participating in various activities and events and by developing their multilingual, multimodal and multicultural capabilities. During the practical training period, students familiarise themselves with the actors and customer groups of the sign language sector.